I just got back from the National Advisory Group’s (NAG) 2010 Ideas Conference in Charleston, S.C., and came away with a much better understanding of the issues facing small businesses and family-owned companies. Whether it’s dealing with the massive overhaul of the U.S. medical system, costly PCI compliance investments that yield no ROI or embracing

During her 13-year career in the industry, Donna Perkins has come a long way. Her enthusiasm and desire to learn drive her success. As pricebook manager for Calloway Oil Co., Perkins maintains costs and retails for all items in the company’s 23 E-Z Stop Food Mart stores in Tennessee. She also handles vendor issues, cost

Winning Over CPG Customers According to a new study commissioned by MEI Computer Technology Group Inc., there is an increased emphasis on improving trade promotion effectiveness, as consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers look to bolster the value and return on their trade spend, and capture wallet share from consumers. Despite the current climate,

Gilbarco Veeder-Root will be hosting free Passport point of sale (POS) system training and also demonstrating remote diagnostics and help desk at the NACS Show, Oct. 6-8 in Atlanta, bringing key benefits of the system to the show floor. Current Passport users can take advantage of free Passport POS training “How to operate Passport in

Casey’s General Stores Inc. has completed a private placement for $569 million of 5.22% senior unsecured notes due 2020. Casey’s plans to use the net proceeds from the offering to finance its previously announced recapitalization plan set to be executed through a modified “Dutch auction” self tender offer for up to $500 million in value

On Aug. 5, BP completed cementing operations at the MC252 well. The procedure began at 9:15 a.m. CDT and was completed by 2:15 p.m. CDT, as part of the static kill plan. By filling the damaged Macondo well with cement from the top down, the company hopes to guarantee it won’t leak oil again. The

Cash control practices are an essential part of any c-store operation—from having a cash management system in place to training employees in proper security protocol in everyday cash handling and in the event of a robbery. But more often than not, it’s in-house theft that c-stores need to be most vigilant about. “If you have

With foodservice sales booming and more retailers making the leap to fresh foods, operators are turning their attention to take-out packaging and finding that, with all the options and considerations, choosing the proper packaging can be as tricky as selecting the foodservice program itself. “There are so many things to think about when you’re looking

Cary, N.C.-based The Pantry Inc., operator of Kangaroo Express stores and Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC, the refining, marketing and transportation operations of Marathon Oil Corp. have announced a joint-branding fueling agreement set to take place this fall. Under the terms of the agreement, Marathon will supply fuel to more than 600 Pantry locations, with a

New Edge Networks New Edge Networks is building a network of direct connections to various back-office online solutions providers including payment processors, payroll services, health benefits management companies, IT help desks, kiosks, digital video display or monitoring services and ATM network providers. By using direct connections to pre-determined suppliers, retailers avoid installing and paying for

The Vollrath Co.’s new Cayenne Heat Strips boast remarkably even and precise heat dispersion thanks to the unique heating and reflector design. Cayenne Heat Strips offer low, medium and high wattage units to ensure maximum performance at the desired operating height. Heat Strips are available in three styles: Cord and Plug, Hard Wired or

Shure Manufacturing Corp. introduces the Shuresafe Model #670198 Transaction Drawers to the market. The drawers are stainless steel security drawers used for transferring items to and from the operator without opening doors. Use these dual-action pass-thru drawers for small transactions. A center divider maintains attendant security, controls environmental hazards and minimizes noise in the

Adding digital signage to stores is now easier than ever with the latest products from Innovation Marketing Systems Inc. (IMS). Requiring no additional software or hardware to operate, the IMS Digital Signage products are truly user friendly. Attract more customers to retail operations and reduce sign clutter both inside and outside. For More Information from

As the director of real estate for High’s of Baltimore and a member of the Darnell family, which owns the Hanover, Md., chain of 69 stores in Maryland and Delaware, Briana Darnell knows first hand the importance of being a strong leader and how it can impact a company’s success. In her current role, she

At a Glance: The University of Northern Colorado Located in Greeley, Colo., the University of Northern Colorado was founded in 1889. The university features students from 38 states and five countries. Other highlights include: • College nickname: The Bears. • A 2009 enrollment of 9,973 undergraduate and 2,175 graduate students. • Student population: 60% female,

Convenience store retailers are already dealing with tobacco taxes, PCI deadlines and encroaching competition. Now, if officials in Mesa, Ariz. get their way, operators within the city limits will be forced to invest in security measures aimed at reducing incidents of theft. The proposed mandate, aimed at convenience stores measuring less than 7,500 square feet,

BP continues to respond to the MC252 oil well incident in the Gulf of Mexico, using a lower marine riser package (LMRP) containment cap, installed on June 3, to collect oil and gas flowing from the well and transport them to the Discoverer Enterprise drillship on the surface. On June 5, a total of 10,500

McDonald’s is preparing an aggressive summer promotion targeting core c-store customers. Another month, another challenge for convenience store operators. Where is the legendary Charles Atlas when the big bad bully tries to kick sand in our collective faces? As I’m sure you’ve heard by now this summer’s bully is, once again, McDonald’s. The hamburger chain

Americans want it, but lots of operators are nervous about it. That’s why working with distributors and training employees on how to handle chicken is so important. Consumers have very definitely stated preferences for chicken items, which is why chains like Wawa feature chicken prominently on their menus. For example, the Pennsylvania-based operator features chicken

Emerson has recently introduced a new line of case controls that are capable of controlling compressors, defrosters, case fans and lighting, as well as optional communications with Emerson’s E2 Facility Management System. The new case controllers utilize the same compact design as many European-styled controls and feature localized programming capabilities and displays that make it

Aloha Petroleum Ltd. has entered an agreement to buy Shell Oil Products U.S.’s retail and terminal operations in Hawaii, BusinessWeek reported. Financial terms and details were not disclosed, and the exact number of stations Aloha will acquire is not yet known, as some of the locations are subject to first-right-of-refusal or options to purchase held by other

The 12 Standards of PCI SSC Build and Maintain a Secure Network 1. Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect data. 2. Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters. Protect Cardholder Data 3. Protect stored cardholder data. 4. Encrypt transmissions of cardholder data and sensitive information across open public

An Illinois CITGO fuel marketer became the first gas station owner in the nation to receive the Green Business League award for its efforts to reduce energy and minimize its environmental footprint. Dave Welch, president of Deerfield CITGO, began his journey toward achieving a green business in June 2009, when he and a consultant started

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